Your Pet’s Last Breath in the Luxury of Your Home

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When I had my 13-year-old Golden Retriever euthanized in 2003, I was blessed to be surrounded by loving friends in my backyard. As difficult as it was, I was very comforted having my veterinarian come to the house while we all gathered around Byron in the backyard as he transitioned. It not only made the day easier for me, but it also made it so much easier for him, not having to travel to the veterinarian clinic. Now many other pet lovers will have that same convenience.

“Veterinarians need not worry that they’re breaking the law when they do something like taking pills to a remote farm for horses and cows, making house calls for euthanasia, and traveling with sedatives and pain medications in a mobile spay/neuter clinic. As long as a vet is licensed to practice in the state where he or she is traveling with these controlled substances, and is not taking them to a principal place of business or professional practice – say, another vet clinic – the vet won’t need to worry about being apprehended by the DEA.”

This is particularly reassuring if you have a pet who has had any fearful experiences at a vet clinic. It will also be helpful for horses and other large animals, as well as cats that can be challenging to get in the car for transport.

Since my beloved Sanchez is now 11-years-old, I’m well aware that every day is a blessing and saying good-bye will be sometime in the next few years. I’d again choose to have euthanasia in the comfort of our home. Sadly, it’s something every pet parent should prepare for ahead of time. What about you? Although hard to think about, when the time comes, would you rather say good-bye to your pet at home or in a vet clinic? Thanks for sharing your thoughts in a comment below.

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Lisa Spector is a concert pianist, Juilliard graduate, and canine music expert. She is co-founder of Through a Dog's Ear, the first music clinically demonstrated to calm the canine nervous system. Their new high-tech pet gadget, iCalmDog, is the portable solution to canine anxiety. Lisa shares her home and her heart with her two "career change" Labrador Retrievers from Guide Dogs for the Blind, Sanchez and Gina. Follow Lisa's blog here.

Here in Germany only few vets visit you at home when it´s time for your pet to be sent to rainbow bridge because he/she´s deadly sick or so, but there´s a mobile pet rescue, they often work with such vets, about 10 miles from my hometown. But I don´t want to think about one of my 3 cats being in such a situation, we just enjoy every moment we´ve got together! Sisi´s 12, Gizzy´s 10 and Thori 7, by the way...

this is something I will consider when the time comes...than you for this information. I never knew we had this option. It is a nice choice to have for all concerned. It is esp. nice for older people who have a pet that would need this type of service.

Francesca A--We are not talking about just randomly deciding to euthanize a pet. It is a very careful decision made w/ a profession vet. It amounts to quality of life, not INCONVIENCE of the person caring for their pet. MOST conscious pet parents do NOT take this lightly, & this decision is made when it is CLEAR that their will be no other outcome, life will NOT go on & only needless suffering will happen. I dealt with this when my 20yr old cat was REALLY declining...WHEN, HOW do you know when your supposed to do this? My questions were answered...intrinsically, I KNEW it was time, my vet knew it was time, my sweet dear Punkin was falling down in his litterbox unable to stand laying in his own waste. I KNOW in my heart of hearts & I did EVERYTHING in my power to accommodate him in every little minute need...even going as far as putting his litterbox right next to him where his favorite spot was, I made stairs & ramps everywhere, fed him anything & everything he wanted at any moment he needed, & mostly loved him with all my heart & soul..& made sure he knew it! It was heart wrenching!, it still hurts many years later...but the loving, joyful memories of 20,yes together fill my heart & soul...he will NEVER be forgotten.. nor ANY of my furry babies.

Continued-I also wouldn't want to feel rushed in my grieving, say, if the vet had to go to another apt, & also if she was going to take the body with her...that would feel/seem weird as well for my baby to be in a car going from apt to apt. I feel I would need to write down all these questions in my mind & get the answer's & then think about all the pro's & con's & then make a decision. It's something you can't take back, so it's important to REALLY give it some careful consideration.